Hoops Habit
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NBA Free Agency: predicting the biggest winners and losers

By Ari Schwartz

TORONTO, ON - APRIL 12: Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors looks on after being defeated by the Chicago Bulls during the 2023 Play-In Tournament at the Scotiabank Arena on April 12, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andrew Lahodynskyj/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - APRIL 12: Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors looks on after being defeated by the Chicago Bulls during the 2023 Play-In Tournament at the Scotiabank Arena on April 12, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andrew Lahodynskyj/Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OHIO – JANUARY 02: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers dose an interview after scoring a Cavaliers franchise record 71 points against the Chicago Bulls at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on January 02, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Bulls 145-134. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO – JANUARY 02: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers dose an interview after scoring a Cavaliers franchise record 71 points against the Chicago Bulls at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on January 02, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Bulls 145-134. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

Winner: Cleveland Cavaliers

Cleveland quickly addressed their need for outside shooting in free agency. The Cavs brought in sharpshooter Max Strus on a four-year $64 million deal after a stellar playoff run with the Heat, as well as shooting specialist Georges Niang on a three-year $26 million contract, both reasonable deals for players that fill a need.

Cleveland also re-signed Caris Levert to a two-year $32 million contract. Levert had an up-and-down playoff but an overall great year, averaging 12 points while shooting 39% from beyond the arc over 74 regular season games.

By adding depth and filling key needs, the Cavs have used this summer to quietly become contenders in a wide-open Eastern Conference.

Loser: San Antonio Spurs

While the Spurs haven’t made any illogical decisions this free agency, their lack of aggressiveness is disappointing considering they have a generational talent on their hands. It couldn’t have harmed them to throw an offer at someone like Austin Reaves, who was spectacular in playoffs but ended up not having much of a market in free agency.

There’s nothing wrong with San Antonio taking a long-term approach, but when an opportunity came their way with Reaves, it frustrated me that they backed away from it.

dark. Next. The Spurs can steal Dame from Heat in this deal with Blazers

Still, the Spurs have a bright future ahead of them, it just might take some time for us to see them winning again.